A hard day - with three long steep climbs and several shorter ones.
Before setting off - I re-attached the front mud-guard. A step that turned out to be worthwhile as it rained - mostly drizzle sometimes a bit heavier - most of the day. Couldn`t take many photos.
Lazio countryside mostly unremarkable. Lots of pasture and grain crops. After about 500ft altitude, some olive groves and vineyards. A bit higher - fruit orchards. Everything a lush lush green.
Breakfast at about 11am of coffee, a doughnut and flan.
A good long flat stretch alongside the seemngly huge Lago de Bolsena - mostly obscured by the downpour.
Aquapendiente village charming - a maze of ancient narrow streets. Soon after - crossed a bridge into Tuscany - and lovely rolling Tuscan landscape. Green countryside, dark grey skies above.
At about km70, the 11.5km 600m climb up Monte Amiata began. Mostly 5 - 8% and so just about manageable. The longer stretches above 10%, I pushed the bike up. Eventually reached Piancastagnaio - where my RidewithGPS route took me up several flights of steps, one set so long & steep that I had to carry the panniers and bike up separately.
Then a delicious long most downhill stretch - through villages still gorgeous in the rainfall - to Castel del Piano.
Hereward & Daiva bronzed, healthy and lovingly welcoming. A generous supper - then a hair-raising 40 minute drive to the thermal baths of _________.